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Miss Sanderson added: "There is no suggestion this item has been used towards anybody. He describes it as being in his waistband.

"He is saying that he took it out to facilitate him running away," said Miss Sanderson.

After being detained, Campbell said that he had carried the machete to protect himself.

Miss Sanderson told the court: "A few weeks ago, Campbell was himself stabbed in a knife attack. When questioned by security staff at the Victoria Centre, he told them that he had it for his own protection.

The machete Campbell has hidden in his trousers (Image: Nottinghamshire Police)

"But there is always concern that if pushed, a weapon could be used." Campbell's criminal record includes robbery, having an imitation firearm and "possession of a bladed article in public."

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A six-month prison term was imposed on Campbell of Stockwell, Bulwell. He admitted having a machete without good reason at the Victoria Centre car park on February 7. He will serve half the sentence in custody and the remainder on probation.

Deputy District Judge Richard Adkinson told him: "You said that you wanted to protect yourself.

Giovanni Campbell has been jailed for six months (Image: Nottinghamshire Police)

"It seems that if you were carrying it for your own protection there is clearly a real possibility you might use it if you felt the need to protect yourself."

That added up to having the machete in "dangerous circumstances," the judge added. Campbell was ordered to pay £115 government tax and £85 prosecution costs.

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NEWS FROM THE COURTS

Campbell and his friend were "set upon by ten individuals" but did not get violent in response. The other man was "attacked quite savagely" when he confirmed his name and Campbell was "kicked all over his body," Miss Roberts added.

The judge ordered the destruction of the 2ft long machete which was brought into court in a protective see-through container.

Speaking after the court hearing, Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: "Let's be clear, carrying a knife does not protect you. It puts you more at risk of coming to harm. As this case shows it has led to a young man being locked up and having a criminal record that will no doubt affect his future prospects.

"If this weapon had been used the consequences would have been even more serious.

"Nottinghamshire Police and our partners are committed to tackling knife crime and we would call on everyone in the community to help us rid our streets of knives.

"The message starts at home and parents and family members have a key role to play in educating and preventing this type of offence. Schools, health services and other organisations who come into contact with young people can also help us achieve a situation where we are not having to lock up young people who could have brighter futures without knives.

"I would like to praise the swift actions of the security staff at the intu Victoria Centre and our officers who have put this offender before the court, resulting in a jail sentence, in under 36 hours of the offence taking place."